Canadian and U.S. Air Forces Join Ottawa Flypast
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Ottawa — The Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force flew a joint ceremonial flypast over Ottawa on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m. ET to coincide with Fourth of July observances marking the United States' 250th anniversary. Two Canadian CF-18 Hornets and two U.S. F-35 Lightning II jets passed low over the U.S. ambassador's official residence.
The Defence Department said the flypast was intended to demonstrate routine bilateral cooperation under NORAD; officials provided the scheduled timing and aircraft types. Earlier on Saturday, the RCAF also conducted flypast activity in Ottawa, including a CH-147F Chinook from 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron over festival grounds before Canada's World Cup Round of 16 match, when up to 20,000 people were expected to gather.
Timeline
- 1. July 4, 2026 morning — RCAF conducts special flypast in Ottawa before the World Cup match.
- 2. July 4, 2026 at about 1:00 p.m. ET — Up to 20,000 expected at LeBreton Flats for the watch party.
- 3. July 4, 2026 at about 6:30 p.m. ET — Joint ceremonial flypast over Ottawa with CF-18s and F-35s.
- 4. July 4, 2026 — Defence Department issues statement framing the flypast as NORAD cooperation.
- 5. July 4, 2026 — Canadian Press story published and republished by multiple outlets.
Sources
The Lethbridge Herald - News and Sports from around Lethbridge
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